50 Married Men On How They Asked Their Fathers-In-Law For Their Daughter’s Hand

33.I asked permission from my future father-in-law to both date and marry his daughter. Both times, he just gave me a big grin before consenting.

I see some comments here that people don’t think you need permission. You’re right. You don’t. But view it as a respectful, old school move. Just remember, you’re not just marrying your spouse, you’re also marrying their family.

It’s been 16 years since we were married. In that time, I’ve lost my own dad. Fortunately, I have a father-in-law that I love like a father and who loves me like his own son. Respect and open communication from the beginning has paid off in spades.

34.I took him to a cocktail bar, he knew what was coming. I gave my little speech and asked his permission and he responded? “How could I say no?”

Which was nice but completely knocked me off guard — as if he was challenging me to come up with reasons why he shouldn’t.

When I proposed my now-wife said, “Of course!” So I always joke that her family has a problem with the word “yes.”

“You are the only person who gets to decide if you are happy or not—do not put your happiness into the hands of other people. Do not make it contingent on their acceptance of you or their feelings for you. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if someone dislikes you or if someone doesn’t want to be with you. All that matters is that you are happy with the person you are becoming. All that matters is that you like yourself, that you are proud of what you are putting out into the world. You are in charge of your joy, of your worth. You get to be your own validation. Please don’t ever forget that.” — Bianca Sparacino